Against the vibrant backdrop of the 2024 International Aerospace Innovation Forum, a pivotal development has emerged within the aviation realm. Avianor, a distinguished stalwart in aerospace maintenance and interior solutions, affiliated with DRAKKAR and boasting over two decades of expertise, has forged a formidable partnership with Air Canada, a global aviation giant.
This collaboration has birthed a significant contract, signaling a transformative shift in aerospace maintenance practices. The culmination of this alliance not only underscores the enduring bond between the two entities but also represents a watershed moment in their shared history, which dates back to the signing of an initial Letter of Intent in January 2020.
As per the terms of this groundbreaking agreement, Avianor, headquartered in Quebec, is entrusted with the meticulous maintenance of Air Canada’s fleet of A220 aircraft, marking a new chapter in the evolution of aerospace maintenance protocols.
Montreal-based Avianor has signed what it describes as a “substantial long-term contract” to provide maintenance for Air Canada’s fleet of Airbus A220-300s.
The May 22 agreement formalizes the partnership between the two parties after an initial Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed in January 2020, ensuring Air Canada’s fleet of A220 aircraft receives Quebec-based maintenance.
Both parties have been actively engaged in the maintenance of the A220 since it entered Air Canada’s fleet in 2020. The Canadian flag-carrier currently has 33 Airbus A220-300s on strength and plans eventually to field 60 of the type.
Additionally, Avianor is nearing completion of an A220 Center of Excellence, located at Mirabel, Quebec, with an autumn 2024 date scheduled. The facility, which both parties describe as a pivotal element to the maintenance agreement, will be instrumental in maintaining the growing needs of Air Canada’s expanding fleet.
“This contract reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams who have worked hand-in-hand with Air Canada since our initial agreement in 2020,” COO and president of affiliates of Avianor’s parent, outsourcing specialist DRAKKAR, Hugo Brouillard said. “With the impending completion of the A220 Center of Excellence, we are sure to further strengthen our long-term partnership in a facility specifically tailored for these aircraft.”
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Avianor under this newly solidified agreement,” Air Canada’s VP maintenance, Josh Vanderveen added. “We are proud to be involved in building a Quebec-based, global center of maintenance expertise for the A220.”
The agreement was welcomed by the Canadian government: “The partnership between Avianor and Air Canada is yet another sign that Canada continues to be a global hub for the aerospace industry,” Canada’s minister of innovation, science, and industry, François-Philippe Champagne said. “By working together these two Quebec-based industry leaders are further strengthening our world class aerospace ecosystem and ensuring the highest standards of service and support.”
